Dixie Hwy. zoning request proceeds

BOWLING GREEN - Two parcels totaling 132 acres on the east side of Dixie Highway, just north of here, were recommended for rezoning to commercial and industrial uses during action last night by the Wood County Planning Commission.

The action that would change the current agricultural zoning occurred despite a request from a Bowling Green official that the owner withdraw the rezoning measure.

Rick Ketzenbarger, Bowling Green planning director, said in a letter that the action should be delayed until the applicant has a better picture of how utilities would serve the property.

The city is working on a utility master plan for the area that should be finished by the end of the year.

Mr. Ketzenbarger said city utilities that lie to the south on the east side of Dixie cannot be extended.

Robert Maurer, the proposed developer, indicated to the planning commission that he has no misgivings about the uncertain prospects for utilities for the parcel in Center Township.

He has made no final decision on what he would build there.

There are potential industrial uses that may require only septic systems, Mr. Maurer added.

“There are a lot of businesses that may not need sewers,” he said.

Mr. Maurer told the commission a city economic development official has been urging him to assemble a site that would have access to a rail spur. A CSX rail line runs through the rear portion of the property proposed for rezoning.